[4abrightfuture3]

I admit I have NO idea how to look for flights. I have only flown 2 times in my life. Both as a teen to NY. I live in Fl and I assumed to shoot over to Guatemala would be no big deal. I guess I am naive. I cant find a flight less then $532 each. Is this round trip Or each way?? And each flight goes somewhere out of the way like to Georgia or Texas??? Why ? Can someone help me? I do not have a referral yet , but I am trying to convince dh that we can afford to visit maybe in Sept - Oct but the prices are worrying me. I would like to take my 2 children with us.

[angel_bayou]

Maria, It depends on where you're looking at such at orbitz, etc. and you should be able to select whether you want a one way flight or roundtrip! We live in LA and went to Houston then to Guatemala and the tickets for me and hubby both to fly were almost $1,800. So $900 each. We used orbitz and this was the cheapest rate we found. Good luck as I am also trying to go for a second visit in June and the rates are discouraging

Vanessa
Waiting and missing Arianna
Come on PGN!!!!!!
Back in 5/10 after KO #1

[Lilys Dad]

Most flights are quoted round trip (usually a selection when you start to inquiry about a rate.)

Airline website will most of the time have the cheapest rates so it is good to know who your main airline is close by and try inquiring directly on their site. (We are in Arkansas and Continental has the cheapest rates via Houston for us.)

Other options are to check with a local travel agent, they may find cheaper rates (2-one ways are sometimes cheaper than a round trip depending on circumstances).

If your travel dates are flexible, use one of the sites that allow you to select the cheapest rates regardless of dates and let them present date options for you.

www.airlineconsolidator.com is a discounter that buys up seats and has had pretty good rates but read the fine print. Deeply discounted tickets sometimes are completely unchangable or have higher than normal fees. Google cheap or discounted airfares or something similar to find other discounters.

Booking hotel and flights together can sometimes give you overall a cheaper travel package but I haven't tried it for Guatemala so I can't say if it works on those routes or not.

Credit card programs (like American Express and others) may allow you to transfer "reward" points to your (newly created if you don't have one) airline frequent flyer account. 25,000-30,000 points and you fly free (some restrictions apply as always.)

Just a note, Continental recommends you purchase the ticket in Guatemala for the child returning (Marriott has a Continental desk in the hotel.) Check with your airline for their recommendations and requirements.

Check with your agency and/or airline to see if they offer adoption rates (continental does -- for selected agencies). This may only apply to your pickup.

[tooskis]

Hi...Most airlines don't fly directly to Guatemala so you will probably have to fly to another location and change planes. You probably want to pick a flight that 1) has no more than 1 stop, 2) has the quickest flight time, 3) has coach seats available on the flight (unless you are lucky one who gets to fly first class!). Also, I don't know where you are located in Florida but you may want to price flights out of different cities even if you have to drive a bit further to get to a certain airport that offers a better flight. If you don't feel comfortable doing it over the internet, call a travel agency or call the airline and tell them what you are looking for exactly.

[posh]

there are airlines that offer discounted tickets for adoption. they are like 65% off regular prices. I will post the link. you do have to be bringing the child back though I think.

http://www.affordingadoption.com/travel.php



good luck!

[Mariais5]

If you're in FL, it would probably be cheapest to fly directly out of Miami to GC.. We flew American Airlines from Orlando to Miami to GC.. On our two visit trips, we flew Delta. Their hub is in Atlanta, so you have to fly to Atlanta and then to GC.. The only good thing about that is that Delta ALWAYS overbooks flights from Atlanta to Orlando, and they're ALWAYS asking for volunteers to get bumped. Well, my daughter and I volunteered, spent the night in a dive hotel in Atlanta compliments of Delta, and received $880 in Delta dollars. So, I'm thinking of flying the girls to Chicago in July for Bryce's first trip to the American Girl Store compliments of Delta!

Most airlines quote roundtrip tickets.. If you are perusing airline websites, it asks you to imput "roundtrip" or "one way"

[mybabykaili]

Hello!

We have been to visit our daughter 3 times so I am beginning to be an old hat at this Guatemala travel thing. We have flown through Houston and Miami. Houston is very easy to deal with. We had no problems at all. We hate Miami. We know that when we bring our daughter home, we absolutely dont want to deal with Miami. I would advise you not to go through there since you are traveling with two small children. It is hectic and crazy. I realize that sometimes we have to make sacrifices due to the money which is why I have flown through there twice already. You can also fly through Atlanta and Charlotte. I have heard that Charlotte is very easy. I dont know much about Atlanta. I know the airport is hectic there but it has to be better than Miami. (can you tell I dont like Miami?)

We live in TN and it takes us about four hours to get to Guatemala. It is a really easy flight for us.

I wish you the very best on your journey. May it be a speedy one!

Meridith

[4abrightfuture3]

Thanks so much for the input. I will check it out a few different ways. I sooooo want to visit.

[luv2teach2]

I just got a flight for $282 dollars over memorial day through atlanta on Delta. Check out Kayak.com, best site out there.

[Waiting4Celeste]

Originally Posted by posh

there are airlines that offer discounted tickets for adoption. they are like 65% off regular prices. I will post the link. you do have to be bringing the child back though I think.

http://www.affordingadoption.com/travel.php

good luck!

FYI... my friend runs the affording adoption website.
Just wanted to brag!

[posh]

hey cool!! hope you get some good deals!

[ej-momtobe]

Maria, You mentioned that you live in Florida. If at all possible, get a non-stop flight....even if you have to pay a little extra. It is worth it in the time you save and you don't run the risk of missing a connection. I know there are non-stops to GC from Miami. If you need to make a stop, pick the schedule/price that works best for you. If you have to go a little north (i.e. Atlanta) to get a good price and the schedule is good, just ignore the fact that you are going a little out of the way.

[chica_latina]

We used Trent from Velocity Tours and our roundtrip tickets were $600.

We flew from Omaha, Nebraska -to- Atlanta -to- Guatemala city..

It took about 6 hours..

He offered the cheapest rate for us, and we checked out all the online sites (cheaptickets, orbitz, etc.)

I would definitely visit.. My husband was really hesitant too and we had to scrape up the funds.. Now we are both soooo glad that we went!!

[Brie Brock]

I emailed Trent from Velocity tours twice and NEVER heard a thing back from them????? So I don't know if they are just so busy or what??

Good Luck I am trying to arrange a visit trip as well, and it is confusing!

Brie